Without doubt, food is comfort. But only a select few dishes earn the place in our hearts reserved for "comfort foods". Whether yours include brownies or biscuits, pasta or pie, they all have one thing in common; The comfort comes from memories. And the best memories are always handmade. Bake up come comfort for someone special - including you.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

Back in the day, there used to be a small Hot Dog drive-in called George's that was just around the corner from the Elementary School I used to go to. It was a small place with tables outside. The buns were warm, the hot dogs were crispy and they had the best chili sauce! Walking home from school we would pass buy and smell the hot dogs and chili in the air. What a treat it was to go to George's! I remember the chili had no meat. It was more like a spicy sauce - but I do remember the taste. George's is long gone and I've been trying a few different recipes from the web to try and duplicate it and this one has finally hit the spot. This does contain meat but the spices make it taste just like George's. Happiness!!!

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 medium onion chopped

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. allspice

2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

6 oz. tomato paste

3 cups water

Brown the ground beef and drain. Run it through a food processor for a finer texture. Mince the onions in the food processor as well. In a medium heavy pot, combine all ingredients and simmer until thickened, 45 minutes to l hour.

Some don't like the taste of the cinnamon in this, so simple omit it. It's the taste that I remember.

Place hot dog on a warm toasted bun. Spread about a heaping Tablespoon of sauce. Add yellow mustard and chopped onion.